THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL OF FOOTWEAR DESIGN

1946 | Sarkis Der Balian

Paris

A hundred years after the genocide of the Armenian population and the following diaspora, we want to remember the many Armenians whom moved to Europe, France in particular, to became, more often than not, shoemakers.

Living mainly in Belleville, nearby Paris, as repairers or cobblers, some of them were able to climb up the ladder thanks to talent and extraordinary craftsmanship such as Sarkis Der Balian or Garabédian. Others distinguished themselves for their entrepreneurial skills such as Ascot Of Paris founder Armen Karagulian. In more recent times the name to remember is Arsho Baghsarian (I.Miller, Dior, Sho Biz, Margaret Jerrold, Colette).

I have great feelings for the Armenians. They were the bankers of the Ottoman Empire and they are a very old race. They go back very far and there are many similarities between the Armenians and the Jews - from the persecution point, from the brains and the financial abilities point as well as their sales ability. Also they are quite artistic. And generally speaking they are incredible people.